World Cup Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about visas, currency, budgeting, and travel insurance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Visa & Entry Requirements
USA
Requirements:
- •ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visa waiver countries
- •B1/B2 tourist visa for non-waiver countries
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- •Proof of return ticket and accommodation
- •Sufficient funds for stay
Processing Time:
ESTA: 72 hours, Visa: 2-4 weeks
Cost:
ESTA: $21, Visa: $160
Apply early, especially for visa applications
Canada
Requirements:
- •eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for visa-exempt countries
- •Tourist visa for non-exempt countries
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- •Proof of return ticket and accommodation
- •Sufficient funds for stay
Processing Time:
eTA: 72 hours, Visa: 2-4 weeks
Cost:
eTA: $7 CAD, Visa: $100 CAD
Processing times may vary during peak periods
Mexico
Requirements:
- •Tourist card (FMM) for stays under 180 days
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- •Return ticket required
- •No visa required for most countries
- •Proof of accommodation recommended
Processing Time:
FMM: On arrival
Cost:
FMM: $25 USD (included in airfare)
Tourist card provided on arrival for most visitors
Currency & Money Tips
USA
Currency:
USD (US Dollar)
Exchange Rate:
1 USD = ~0.85 EUR, ~0.75 GBP
Tips:
- •Credit cards widely accepted
- •Tipping expected (15-20%)
- •Sales tax added to prices
- •ATMs available everywhere
Canada
Currency:
CAD (Canadian Dollar)
Exchange Rate:
1 CAD = ~0.75 USD, ~0.65 EUR
Tips:
- •Credit cards widely accepted
- •Tipping expected (15-20%)
- •GST/HST tax included
- •Contactless payments common
Mexico
Currency:
MXN (Mexican Peso)
Exchange Rate:
1 USD = ~17 MXN, 1 EUR = ~18 MXN
Tips:
- •Carry cash for small purchases
- •Credit cards accepted in cities
- •Tipping expected (10-15%)
- •Exchange at banks for best rates
Budget Breakdown
accommodation
Budget
$50-100/night
Mid-Range
$150-300/night
Luxury
$400+/night
Book early, consider hostels for budget options
food
Budget
$15-30/day
Mid-Range
$40-80/day
Luxury
$100+/day
Street food is often the best value
transport
Budget
$10-20/day
Mid-Range
$25-50/day
Luxury
$75+/day
Public transport is usually the best option
activities
Budget
$20-50/day
Mid-Range
$75-150/day
Luxury
$200+/day
Many attractions offer student/senior discounts
Travel Insurance Recommendations
World Nomads
Coverage:
Comprehensive travel insurance
Price:
From $5/day
Features:
- •Medical coverage up to $100,000
- •Trip cancellation protection
- •Baggage and personal effects
- •24/7 emergency assistance
Allianz Travel
Coverage:
Annual and single-trip coverage
Price:
From $30/trip
Features:
- •Medical and dental coverage
- •Trip interruption protection
- •Rental car coverage
- •Pre-existing condition coverage
Travel Guard
Coverage:
Comprehensive travel protection
Price:
From $25/trip
Features:
- •Medical and evacuation coverage
- •Trip cancellation and interruption
- •Baggage and personal effects
- •Flight accident coverage
Additional Travel Tips
Booking Flights
- • Book flights 6-12 months in advance
- • Consider multi-city itineraries
- • Check for World Cup special fares
- • Book refundable tickets if possible
- • Consider travel insurance for flight protection
Getting Around
- • Research public transportation options
- • Download offline maps
- • Consider ride-sharing apps
- • Book airport transfers in advance
- • Learn basic local phrases
Planning Timeline
- • 12+ months: Apply for visas
- • 9-12 months: Book flights
- • 6-9 months: Book accommodations
- • 3-6 months: Purchase travel insurance
- • 1-3 months: Finalize itinerary
Safety & Health
- • Check vaccination requirements
- • Carry copies of important documents
- • Register with your embassy
- • Know emergency numbers
- • Stay hydrated and get travel insurance
Ready to Start Planning?
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